Cruz Serious, Leppert Lighthearted in New TV Ads

David Dewhurst, Tom Leppert, Ted Cruz and Craig James at a U.S. Senate debate in Dallas on April 13, 2012.

As they fight to make it into a runoff with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz and former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert released new television ads Tuesday.

Cruz's ad, called "Fighter," highlights the oppression his father faced in Cuba and Cruz's work as state solicitor general in the case of Jose Medellin, in which Texas fought for its right to execute a Mexican citizen convicted of rape and murder. Cruz argued before the U.S. Supreme Court that Texas was not obligated to follow an international treaty that required arrested Mexican nationals to be informed of their right to seek legal assistance from the Mexican government. The U.S. Supreme Court sided with Texas.

The latest ad from Leppert, called "Choice," is on the lighter side — a sort of sequel to last month's "Empty Suit" ad — and features three suits on a rack representing Dewhurst, Cruz and former ESPN Analyst Craig James. The three suits meander in the background of the ad as Leppert explains why he should be the next U.S. senator from Texas.

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